Career Information for a Degree in General Studies

General studies degrees provide a lot of flexibility with benefits of a complete degree program. Continue reading for an overview of the programs, as well as career and salary info for some career options for graduates.

Administrative service manager, correctional officer and funeral director are all career options available to individuals with a degree in general studies, provided they meet any additional training or licensure requirements. A general studies degree is also ideal for those who haven't determined which subject they want to major in.

Essential Information

A general studies degree is designed for students who want to get a college education, but don't know what specialization they want to go into. A lot of schools out there offer full general study degrees, while others require students to commit after 1 to 2 years. Courses that students can take include mathematics, history, philosophy, art and natural sciences. After completing this program, students can go on to graduate school or pursue many different types of careers.

Career

Administrative Service Managers

Correctional Officers

Funeral Directors

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree

Other Requirements

Certifications offered

State-mandated training required

Apprenticeship and licensure required

Job Growth (2014-2024)*

8%

4% (for correctional officers and jailers)

7% (for morticians, undertakers and funeral directors)

Average Salary (2015)*

$94,840 annually

$45,320 annually (for correctional officers and jailers)

$52,990 annually (for morticians, undertakers and funeral directors)

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Options

Graduates with a degree in general studies can go into many fields. Job titles include funeral director, correctional officer and an administrative service manager. Below are overviews and detailed descriptions of three possible career choices for general studies majors.

Administrative Services Managers

The duties performed by administrative service managers cover a wide spectrum. They are responsible for planning, organizing and coordinating projects and services in almost every industry. Administrative service managers are found in both the government and private sectors.

These workers make planning decisions, direct the work of others, formulate goals and strategies and report to upper management, depending on their level. Many are involved in hiring and firing decisions, and in large organizations they may have one or more levels of management below and above them in the decision-making chain. This profession was projected to grow 8% from 2014 to 2024, an average pace, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The average salary for these workers was $94,840 per year as of May 2015 (www.bls.gov).

Correctional Officers

A correctional officer works in a prison, providing supervision and direction to inmates. Many employers require a bachelor's degree, according to the BLS, but most prison systems do not have specific requirements regarding major. Training is typically provided on the job for entry-level employees. Employment opportunities in this field from 2014 to 2024 are expected to grow 4%, which is slower than the national average for all occupations. Pay is often low and the work can, in some cases, be dangerous. The BLS reported that the average salary in this field as of May 2015 was $45,320 annually.

Funeral Directors

Funeral directors manage and direct funerals, wakes and services for deceased persons and their families. They also embalm and restore the appearances of the deceased for display and comfort the grieving in their times of loss. A general studies degree can lead to this career by way of a 2- to 4-year program of studies followed by an apprenticeship.

A degree in mortuary science might be more direct, but a general studies program is more flexible for those starting out with multiple aspirations. Funeral directors must be licensed to work in their state and should possess a high level of tact and compassion in order to interact with friends and family members of the deceased. Between 2014 and 2024, job openings are expected to grow 7% for funeral directors, morticians and undertakers, which is as fast as average. As of May 2015, average earnings were $52,990 per year, reported the BLS.

A career as a correctional officer involves supervising inmates in prison, while funeral directors oversee arrangements for a funeral or wake after a person dies. Administrative service managers can be employed in many industries and are involved in planning and coordinating an organization's day-to-day operations. A general studies degree program can get individuals started on each of these career paths.